Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program

Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program This is a scholarship designed to assist academically talented minority and underrepresented individuals pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in an environmental course of study. Previously administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) became responsible for this scholarship in July 2009.

Applicants are selected by the Minority and Environmental Literacy Advisory Commission, which is comprised of representatives from the following entities.

•DNR,

•MDHE,

•Three colleges and universities. These representatives are appointed by their affirmative action offices, and •Five at large individuals from across the state who are high school teachers and college professors and who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for assistance you must meet the following requirements.

Initial Students  Renewal Students

•Be a United States citizen or permanent resident, or otherwise lawfully present in the United States.

•Be a Missouri resident.

•Be a member of an ethnic population.

•Be a graduate of an accredited high school.

•Meet the following cumulative GPA requirements.

◦Maintained a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale while in high school, or ◦Have a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale if currently enrolled in college.

•Be enrolled full-time in a participating, Missouri school in one of the following areas of study.

◦Environmental engineering

◦Chemical engineering

◦Civil engineering

◦Mechanical engineering

◦Agricultural engineering

◦Biology

◦Geology

◦Wildlife management

◦Natural resource planning

◦Natural resources or a closely related field ◦Environmental chemistry, or ◦Environmental law enforcement •Submit an application by June 1.

•Submit a renewal application by June 1 of each year.

•Continue to meet the eligibility requirements for initial students.

•Maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

•Be selected by the Minority Environmental Literacy Advisory Commission for renewal.

How much can I receive?

Award amounts are determined annually by the Minority and Environmental Literacy Advisory Commission. For the 2009-2010 academic year, the average annual award is $2,207.

How can I apply?

Each year, you must complete and submit a Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program application. The application deadline for the 2010-2011 academic year has been extended from June 1, 2010 to July 15, 2010. Along with the application initial applicants must submit the following items.

•Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a counselor, principal, and/or college advisor, •A one page essay explaining why you are pursuing the scholarship, •A résumé of school and community activities, and •Transcripts, including ACT or SAT scores.

Renewal students are not required to submit the letters of recommendation, essay, résumé , and transcripts.

Initial and renewal applicants are selected by the Minority and Environmental Literacy Advisory Commission based on the following criteria, which are evaluated on an equal basis.

•Grade point average

•Course content

•Standardized test scores (ACT or SAT)

•School and community activities

•Evidence of leadership and character

•The essay, and

•Results of an interview with program staff How will I know if I am eligible?

If you are selected for an award, you will receive an approval letter.

Final eligibility is determined by the school you are attending, usually in late August for the fall semester and mid-January for the spring semester. Contact the MDHE for your eligibility status.

How will I receive my award?

Each semester, the institution you are attending will certify your eligibility. The certification process will typically take about three weeks. If your school verifies you are eligible, the MDHE will send your award to your school and they will deliver it to you. Generally, you should receive your fall payment by mid-September and your spring payment by mid-February. However, please keep in mind delivery timeframes can vary from school to school.

How do I renew my award?

Complete a new application by June 1 each year to renew your award. Renewal is subject to approval by the Minority Environmental Literacy Advisory Commission. If your application is selected for renewal, you will receive an approval letter.

How do I transfer my award?

You may transfer your eligibility to any participating school. If you choose to transfer to a different participating Missouri school, either between academic years or semesters, you must contact the MDHE at               (800) 473-6757         (800) 473-6757, option 4.